My journey as a sports journalist so far has been both intriguing and fun, but last Wednesday marked the best day on the job yet.
I had the incredible opportunity to sit in the press box for the Paris Saint-Germain vs. Arsenal Champions League semi-final – a surreal moment for me, especially as a lifelong Gooner.
Before heading to the stadium, I met a fellow sports journalist, and together we walked toward the ground. You could feel the excitement in the air, buzzing through the streets of Paris. PSG fans were full of hope, dreaming of another Champions League final- and perhaps, finally, their first-ever title.
However, getting into the stadium was a challenge. Police had cordoned off most of the area around the ground, making access tricky. But eventually, we made our way in – and as we stepped inside, my excitement soared. The thought that my team could be just 90 minutes away from a Champions League final made it all feel even more surreal.
The press box was unique and fancy, yet unmistakably French. Small dishes were laid out, with classic bread and salami taking centre stage as the main offering, with desserts served at half-time.
The press box gradually filled with journalists from across England and France, all there to commentate on and report this historic clash.
We went out to our seats 30 minutes before kick-off with a bunch of journalists squashed in together as there weren’t enough seats for all of the travelling media.
The stadium slowly filled as fans took their seats, and I was stunned by one of the best tifo displays I’ve ever witnessed. It was a perfect example of how European fans create an atmosphere that often outshines the English support.
When the Champions League anthem played, the game kicked off. The tension was palpable, with the Gunners searching for a way back into the tie. They nearly found it in the first half, but just before halftime, Fabian Ruiz broke the deadlock, sending the stands into raptures.
Throughout the entire match, the PSG fans never stopped singing. Their energy and constant chants pushed their team closer to Munich.
Achraf Hakimi sealed the tie in the 72nd minute, scoring from just outside the box. The home crowd erupted, sensing this was finally their moment. But the Arsenal fans, tucked away in the corner, kept singing proudly. They were rewarded when Bukayo Saka clawed the Gunners back into the game.
A late comeback almost became reality, with Saka coming close once again. The winger knew that was the moment – the chance that could have sent the North London side to Germany.
As the referee blew the full-time whistle, the press box was surrounded by celebrating PSG fans in the hospitality section, with their team now one step closer to history.
Journalists were typing away at their keyboards, filing full-time reports and delivering commentary to their respective radio stations, before heading down to the post-match press conferences.
When Mikel Arteta entered the room, you could sense this would be a different kind of presser. He was passionate and clearly emotional about his side’s exit from the competition.
Luis Enrique, in contrast, was beaming with pride. He praised his players and staff for a historic night, while also showing respect to Arteta for Arsenal’s performance.
As I left the stadium, I knew I had just witnessed history – and made a little of my own by attending my first Arsenal game from the press box.
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